Network Specialist V

Job Description:
Under the general supervision of the IT Network Services Manager performs advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) network work for Health and Human Services (HHS) IT System-Wide Network Services. Work involves overseeing and performing activities associated with a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Network Security systems, Internet and intranet systems, and other data networks; planning, designing, and integrating data telecommunications networks; designing, installing, and monitoring networks; monitoring and analyzing existing hardware and software; developing policies and procedures; and evaluating potential network enhancements. May assign and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work outside of regular hours may be required.  

Essential Job Functions:
(30%) Oversees or conducts major studies regarding system usage, makes recommendations for improvements, and determines network system requirements. Oversees performance tuning and capacity planning activities to enhance the performance of the network resources. Responsible for the upgrade, configuration, reliable operation and installation of Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Network Security systems. Oversees and provides guidance in troubleshooting and solving complex network problems related to HHS incident and problem calls, and in the processing of service requests and tasks. Provides technical advice, assistance, and status reports to users of varying skill levels. Maintains system documentation to support network enhancements. Directs activities/projects to resolution including planning, organizing, analyzing, and coordinating tasks involving multiple resources both inside and outside the agency.

(25%) Reviews network system plans for completeness and accuracy, and plans and schedules network studies and system implementations. Serves as network team technical lead coordinating projects and initiatives that cross functional HHS agency systems, other state entities and vendors that require planning and scheduling during project development and implementation. Serves as backup to Network Manager. Determines operational, technical, and support requirements for the location, installation, operation, and maintenance of data communications and agency network systems. Monitors the preparation and analysis of statistics on network utilization and availability. Installs and upgrades network systems and software. Coordinates all network changes with Network Manager and HHS Enterprise change control.

(20%) Performs project planning tasks involving project risk assessments, alternative implementation analyses, and project status tracking and reporting to Network Manager. Analyzes existing network and system procedures for efficiency and effectiveness. Monitor resolution of customer production issues in both application and network environments. Escalates security, system or network outages issues to Network manager as necessary. Analyzes and defines agency disaster recovery responsibilities and procedures.

(20%) Develops policies and procedures designed to ensure the integrity of local area network or wide area network environments. Develops, analyzes, and maintains system design procedures, documentation, test procedures, and quality standards. Recommends systems technology solutions for HHS enterprise-related hardware and software standards. Evaluates network technologies for potential acquisition and directs the evaluation of various hardware and software resources for information system administration to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential benefits to the agency by recommending systems technology solutions for HHS enterprise-related hardware and software standards. Coordinate network hardware/software purchases. Provides input into the preparation of budget recommendations for network facilities, analyzes user support statistics, and implements appropriate measures.

(5%) Performs related work as assigned.
 

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of network operating environments and systems
Knowledge of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Knowledge of network facilities and performance monitoring and capacity management tools.
Knowledge of wide area network (WAN) design and implementation, Ethernet topology, and/or basic Internet work connectivity.
Knowledge of PC and network hardware and software.
Knowledge of network security.

Organizational skills.
Ability to analyze problems, design solutions, and to perform detailed work accurately regarding network implementation/maintenance.
Ability to direct network staff and/or oversee staff; to ensure quality; and to enforce established standards.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others and to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to design and troubleshoot complex networks.
Ability to train customers and coworkers in the use and operations of network systems.
 

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) preferred. MS O365 Suite. Knowledge of BMC Helix/Remedy application. 

Initial Selection Criteria:
Minimum 3 years of experience in local and wide area network administration.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in computer science, management information systems, or a related field is generally preferred. Education and experience may be substituted for one another.